Doc Hudson is the retired racer who serves as Radiator Springs’ local doctor in Pixar’s Cars.
Doc is a Hudson Hornet who once had a celebrated racing career. After a serious crash ended his competitive future, he became the town’s doctor and kept his racing past largely hidden from Lightning McQueen and the other newcomers.
His history is revealed when Lightning discovers newspaper clippings about Doc’s victories. Doc’s experience helps him understand the pressures facing a young racer, although he initially resists becoming Lightning’s mentor. Their relationship becomes one of the film’s most important emotional arcs.
Paul Newman voices Doc Hudson in the original Cars. The character is inspired by the real Hudson Hornet, a car associated with early stock-car racing success, but Doc himself is fictional. Sally Carrera is Radiator Springs’ lawyer, while Sheriff handles local law enforcement.